Sustainable forest management: the potential impacts of underutilization in Ontario Crown forests

Abstract

Ontario has in recent history harvested a volume in cubic meters less than the volume available to harvest as dictated by the Average Allowable Cut (AAC). While harvesting more than the AAC dictates is unsustainable and will lead to mature wood supply shortages, this study aims to analyze and discuss the impacts of the current rate of underutilization in Ontario’s forests, whether positive or negative. A literature review was conducted, and the following were identified as components potentially impacted by underutilization: water quality, old growth area, mixedwood biodiversity, fire risk, economic consequences, volume, and future landscape goals. A case study was conducted on two forests experiencing underutilization: the Algoma Forest and the Kenogami Forest. It was found that water quality, old growth area, and mixedwood biodiversity are potentially positively impacted by the current rates of utilization in Ontario. However, there are negative implications for volume, economies associated with the forest, and in the ability to meet future landscape targets and long-term management directions (LTMD’s). It is inconclusive whether there is an impact to fire risk associated with underutilization. Further studies are needed to completely understand the impacts that the current harvesting rates are having on the landscape to inform Ontario Forest managers and acquire a better understanding of anthropogenic impact, or lack thereof, on the landscape.